In 1997, I wrote an article for MMD at Robbie's request about visiting
Player Piano Company (PPCo) in Wichita, Kansas.  Over the years since
then, I visited PPCo many times and not much had changed from the visit
that I described earlier.  The desks and other furniture remained in
the same locations and were never rearranged.  The only noticeable
change for me was an increasing number of pianos which seemed to slowly
fill up every available space.

As everyone knows, proprietor Durrell Armstrong passed away in
December, 2008, and the PPCo building, supplies, and business were
auctioned separately.  Supplies for rebuilders are now being sold
through a new business named Player Piano Parts, Inc.  I was in Wichita
in early August and decided to drop by the new business for a visit.
My experience was quite different from all of my previous visits over
the years.

The business address is a modest two-story, red brick building, similar
in style to most businesses in the Old Town area of Wichita.  There is
no sign anywhere indicating the business name.  I entered the front
door of the building and found myself in a vestibule not much bigger
than a closet.  There was another coded-lock door inside and a sign
that said to ring bell for service.

I rang the bell and a young woman's voice answered.  I noticed
that there was a security camera above me so she could look at me but
I couldn't see her.  I stated my business, saying that I wanted to
visit Player Piano Parts but I was unable to obtain entry.  She finally
said that Player Piano Parts was just a phone order business now.

Standing there in the vestibule talking to a hidden voice was an
Orwellian experience, to say the least.  I left the building very
disappointed.

When Durrell Armstrong was running Player Piano Company, customers
were able to walk in the front door, purchase items in person, and
chat with the people who worked there.  If you had questions about
a product, Durrell was willing to discuss it with you.  With the
current set-up for Player Piano Parts, Inc., customers order parts
and supplies by telephone -- the people answering the phones are
order-takers only.  Callers must know exactly what they want to order.
If you are uncertain about what you need, or have a "special case,"
no help is available.

It is good that the supplies are still available through Player Piano
Parts, Inc.  But, the heart and soul of the business is missing.

Joyce Brite